Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker believes his side were not at their best after suffering a 2-0 CAF Confederation Cup group stage defeat in Mali to Stade Malien.

Stellenbosch’s maiden CAF Confederation Cup group stage campaign got underway with a disappointing defeat at the hands of 2009 champions Stade Malien at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.

Sihle Nduli rattled the crossbar during the early stages of the match but it was the hosts who drew first blood when they opened the scoring through a deflected effort by Haman Mandjan.

Stellies looked to hit back in the second half and applied constant pressure, but it was ultimately with no reward as Daouda Couilbaly put the game to bed from the penalty spot with the last kick of the match.

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“It’s obviously not the result we wanted and it was a bit disappointing. I don’t think they were the better team,” Barker reflected after the encounter.

“They got a big, deflected goal which was the only chance they created in the first half, and while we didn’t create much ourselves, we did hit the crossbar.

“In the second half, they stopped playing and allowed us more possession, which we probably didn’t use well enough. Our final third execution wasn’t of the level required.

“We lost 2-0 but I believe they were beatable today and I am confident that when we play them back at home we will be able to overturn the result.

“But, it was a learning curve for us and a good experience. During the game, we played nine players aged 23 or younger so there is a lot of learning to be done.

“There were certain areas where we are a better team than we demonstrated today.”

Stellenbosch will arrive back in South Africa on Friday afternoon, before departing for Jo’burg the next day ahead of their Betway Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates on Sunday.